Transcript Highlights:

• As I said, this is already in place, and we're asking for an adjustment.
• We are going to wait for an author. Let's see if an author walks in the door.
• between an educator and student.
• And I think that does provide an avenue for them.
• I guess for clarity, if they are an adult who is arrested for a second offense, does this conflict with

Bills: HB146 , HB333 , HB517 , HB828 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB118 , SB125 , SB199 , SB277 , SB294 , SB306

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: sports wagering, gambling, elections, local control, revenue generation, inmates, housing, corrections, Department of Public Safety, local jurisdiction, criminal justice, juvenile justice, jury trial, felony offenses, crime of violence, sex offenses, correctional facilities, in-custody deaths, medical oversight, independent investigations

Transcript Highlights:

• The garnishee was an employer of an individual who never actually worked for that company.
• award for the future medical is going to be an account that's limited for that use so that they're inclined
• This will be like an HSA. I come in for service, but I also have health insurance.
• For almost 30 years, I've been an advocate in the field of violence against women.
• For almost 30 years, I've been an advocate in the field of violence against women.

Bills: HB79 , HB437 , HB646 , HB1089 , HB1099 , SB173 , SB180 , SB260 , SB424 , SB476

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Keywords: expert witness, expert testimony, witness fees, pecuniary interest, conflict of interest, civil procedure, evidence law, Louisiana evidence code, Louisiana civil litigation, expert report, discovery, pretrial disclosure, litigation transparency, settlement, damages award, treating physician, medical expert, forensic expert, civil court, criminal court exception

Transcript Highlights:

• Though ultimately DD7 board members were unopposed, the district had already begun to prepare for an
• Members, any other questions for the witness? All right, thank you for being here.
• I'm an attorney for Cook's Branch Management.
• I'd have to check on that for you, give you an answer.
• personnel for the bill?

Bills: HB3115 , HB5671 , HB5693 , SB790 , SB1055 , SB1302 , SB1504 , SB1625 , SB1663 , SB2692

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater, water wells, domestic well, livestock well, exempt well, metering device, well meter, groundwater conservation district, Special District Local Laws Code, Water Code, Section 36.117, groundwater regulation, water rights, aquifer management, municipal utility, retail public utility, groundwater export, water supply contract, election

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources heard testimony on a series of water, utility, and groundwater-related bills. Early items included HB 5693, which would let Drainage District 7 hold board elections in November of odd-numbered years when a countywide election is occurring, and HB 5671, which would update the Johnson County Special Utility District by clarifying board eligibility, allowing bond issuance, and removing redundant TCEQ approval language to reduce costs and delays. Both bills were left pending after brief testimony from bill sponsors and local witnesses. The committee also heard SB 1504, which would update the Gulf Coast Authority to allow video-conference participation in meetings, and SB 1302, aimed at closing a TCEQ permitting loophole that allowed dischargers with prior denials or suspensions to reapply through an automated process without meaningful review. SB 2692 drew substantial discussion: it would change the signature threshold for outside-city-limits customers appealing municipal utility rates to the PUC by customer class. Valero supported the bill as a way to avoid requiring large-volume users to gather signatures from unrelated residential customers, while the City of Corpus Christi opposed it, arguing that lowering the threshold to one customer could trigger expensive appeals costing $500,000 to $1 million. A PUC witness said such cases are increasing and that the agency would need additional staff under the fiscal note. SB 790, creating a simplified PUC complaint process for small water and wastewater billing disputes, and SB 1663, expanding TCEQ notice requirements for nearby residents when groundwater contamination is discovered, were also heard and left pending. Additional bills included HB 3115, clarifying that the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District cannot require meters on exempt domestic or livestock wells; SB 1055, raising the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District’s production fee cap from 1 cent to 7 cents per 1,000 gallons; and SB 1625, requiring private water and wastewater utilities to report cybersecurity incidents to TCEQ and DIR. The committee then took up pending business and adopted a substitute for SB 7, which made several changes to water fund use, eminent domain coordination, and EDAP-related provisions, and voted 10-0 to report it favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute for HB 2347, a county water conservation program bill, and reported it favorably 9-1. HB 5675 and SB 2476 were each reported favorably 10-0. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• tests came back reactive. for an STI or HIV.
• Thank you all for giving us an audience today.
• We had the residents of the county wait an hour plus for an ambulance.
• serves as a hub of hope for patients and families, for scientific advancement, and for improving our
• Meeting the immediate need for an EpiPen is crucial.

Bills: HB3000 , HB2622 , HB2283 , HB541 , HB1776 , HB1803 , HB1669 , HB2588 , HB220 , HB3415 , HB50 , HB1314 , HB 107 , HB220 , HB50 , HB107

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: ambulance service, rural healthcare, grants, financial assistance, qualified counties, mental health, patient transport, female attendants, security measures, healthcare regulation, epinephrine, anaphylaxis, health care, school safety, training, emergency response, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services

Transcript Highlights:

• for Israel.
• Ambassadors for Israel International is an organization that strives to enable every individual to become
• Thank you for joining us today. Is there an objection to the motion to adopt the resolution?
• Chair recognizes Senator Menendez for an announcement. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senate Bill 571 ensures that everyone who has interaction with children in an education setting is vetted

Bills: HJR98 , HJR99 , HB29 , HB136 , HB142 , HB166 , HB353 , HB1399 , HB2000 , SJR59 , SCR19 , SB128 , SB261 , SB317 , SB383 , SB393 , SB397 , SB466 , SB517 , SB571 , SB612 , SB705 , SB715 , SB731 , SB748 , SB801 , SB867 , SB913 , SB945 , SB946 , SB986 , SB1013 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1117 , SB1181 , SB1250 , SB1263 , SB1285 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1528 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1608 , SB1723 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB1957 , SB1986 , SB1999 , SB2043 , SB2056 , SB2082 , SB2105 , SB2133 , SB2138 , SB2177 , SB2203 , SB2221 , SB2311 , SB2334 , SB2337 , SB2340 , SB2373 , SB2417 , SB2446 , SB2452 , SB2477 , SB2532 , SB2565 , SB2587 , SB2615 , SB2622 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2681 , SB2713 , SB2717 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB2835 , SB2841 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2943 , SB2994 , SB2995 , SB3016 , SB3047 , SB3057 , SB3059 , SJR3 , SB5 , SB72 , SB509 , SB616 , SB963 , SB985 , SB1143 , SB1172 , SB1267 , SB1271 , SB1273 , SB1759 , SB1786 , SB2361 , SB1025 , SB1080 , SB1245 , SB1355 , SB1422 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1506 , SB1637 , HJR98 , HJR99 , HJR2 , HJR1 , HB 1109 , HB1392 , HB22 , HB3093 , HB517 , HB 1130 , HB142 , HB1689 , HB2018 , HB136 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2730 , HB1399 , HB 1244 , HB467 , HB331 , HB2559 , HB29 , HB26 , HB166 , HB353 , HB2000 , HB2756 , HB3248 , HB3513 , HB3204 , HB3135 , HB3012 , HB2763 , HB2523 , HB2457 , HB2415 , HB2198 , HB2143 , HB1708 , HB1672 , HB767 , HB1327 , HB2723 , HB451 , HB140 , HB 109 , HB3096 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR29 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR74 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SB2023 , SB1957 , SB2615 , SB2138 , SB3016 , SB1999 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2681 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB715 , SB1640 , SB2538 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB410 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB1856 , SB1528 , SB1373 , SB672 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB1285 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB1237 , SB1586 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB2477 , SB3029 , SB375 , SB777 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB2165 , SB2501 , SB2452 , SB2835 , SB1602 , SB1704 , SB1723 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2177 , SB2460 , SB2785 , SB2373 , SB867 , SB1608 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB383 , SB705 , SB748 , SB1117 , SB2340 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB1950 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB3059 , SB2782 , SB2781 , SB2637 , SB2633 , SB2337 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB946 , SB945 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB571 , SB1263 , SB3058 , SB612 , SB2221 , SB2587 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2713 , SB2311 , SB1986 , SB2565 , SB2943 , SB1888 , SB2417 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3037 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3047 , SB3035 , SB2446 , SB466 , SB2611 , SB2794 , SB2105 , SB2017 , SB1790 , SB1778 , SB1730 , SB2995 , SB2847 , SB205 , SB2619 , SB1903 , SB203 , SB3061 , SB1581 , SB2600 , SB2799 , SB2790 , SB2688 , SB2515 , SB1230 , SB876 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2137 , SB2519 , SB2403 , SB2459 , SB3051 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB2764 , SB2878 , SB1884 , SB111 , SB582 , SB2617 , SB1835 , SB2751 , SB2959 , HB206 , HB 1238 , HB 1089 , HB2890 , HB9 , HB2081 , HB4215 , HB2970 , SB2063 , SB1400 , SB2058 , SB2260 , SB2928 , SB1310

Keywords: Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are also doing an RFR currently for calling services because...
• And I know that if, for example, TPS for Haitians were to fully end, that would absolutely create an
• And I know that if, for example, TPS for Haitians were to fully end, that would absolutely create an
• Their service is an example for the next generation to serve.
• So an interesting point is if you go to the diversity page for the state, it says the goal for veterans

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held an FY27 Health and Human Services budget hearing in Mattapan, hosted at the Boston Public Library branch. Chairs Lydia Edwards and Russell Holmes, along with Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid, emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing ever in Mattapan and highlighted the importance of bringing state budget deliberations into a majority-Black neighborhood. Several legislators introduced themselves as they joined, and the committee noted that public testimony was not part of the format, though agencies were invited to discuss priorities and challenges. MassAbility opened the agency testimony. Leadership described the agency’s mission to support people with disabilities through employment, training, home and community life services, and disability determination. They said Governor Healey’s FY27 budget funds MassAbility at $93.3 million, a 1% reduction from FY26, and explained that the agency is responding to federal funding uncertainty and shifting program needs by redesigning services internally. Members questioned a proposed $1.3 million reduction to the Home Care Program, staffing changes, and whether services could be maintained with fewer resources. MassAbility said it was reviewing data on who uses the program, that it does not provide nursing or personal care, and that it is working with a transition plan and a working group. The agency also discussed federal uncertainty around vocational rehabilitation funding and said it had received delayed federal awards but remained in contact with national associations and federal partners. The testimony included a personal story from a participant, Joshua Corcoran, to illustrate the impact of services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing testified next, requesting $11.27 million, about a 6% increase over FY26. The commission said it serves about 1.4 million residents and focuses on communication access in health care, courts, public safety, and other public systems. It highlighted interpreter and captioner workforce shortages, a mentorship program to expand the provider pool, and a modernized referral platform funded through capital contingency money. Members asked about interpreter availability, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL access for students and families, and training for police and emergency responders. The commission said staffing remains limited, especially for after-hours services, but that it is expanding training, school outreach, and partnerships with DCF and other agencies. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind then presented its FY27 budget request of $30.8 million. The commissioner said the agency serves nearly 9,000 legally blind residents, provides training and peer support, and placed 190 consumers in competitive integrated employment this year. It also described services for older adults, vocational rehabilitation, and the Turning 22 program for young adults with additional disabilities. Members raised concerns about a 7% cut from the prior year and asked how the agency could maintain services; the commissioner said the agency had no waiting list, had trimmed overhead, and could manage the budget through internal efficiencies and strong partnerships. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the session, describing expanded legal and support services for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative, citizenship and financial literacy programs, and the Family Welcome Center in Mattapan. Members asked about federal funding losses and the structure of the new legal services program; ORI said FY26 funding is stable but FY27 federal cuts remain uncertain, and that the legal program uses a centralized intake system with priority for emergencies and first-come, first-served access.

Transcript Highlights:

• emerging technology that is critical for economic and national security.
• Or quantum networking for critical infrastructure security?
• We have launched an Advanced Energy Award.
• for science and tech commercialization and company advancement.
• This will really allow for that collaboration and advancement of technology.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• for retaining our school educators.
• <00:37:38.920><c> educator</c><00:37:39.560><c> shortage,</c> an educator shortage, an educator shortage
• </c><00:38:26.960><c> looking</c><00:38:27.520><c> for</c><00:38:27.880><c> a</c> If you were an educator
• looking for a If you were an educator looking for a job,<00:38:28.840><c> how</c><00:38:29.200><c> would
• So it's an opportunity to educate these students in an education setting, but not necessarily on academics

Bills: HF3490 , HF4040

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: education finance, scholarship-granting organizations, charitable purposes, student scholarships, nonpublic schools, K-12 education, tax credit, advance payment, Minnesota tax law, child education expenses, taxpayer assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have a consent calendar for Senate Bill 216, Senate Bill 225, and Senate Bill 248.
• I don't see any concern with any of the three of them, and I'm happy with moving to doing votes for each
• Madam Chair, we might want to do it as: I move approval for Senate Bill 216, Senate Bill 225, and Senate
• For sure. So ordered for Senate Bills 216, 225, and 248.
• Yes, as far as I know, we only have two pieces, so maybe an hour. Thank you.

Bills: SB216 , SB225 , SB248

Committee: Senate Senate Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs

Keywords: Native American, language certification, cultural education, appropriation, education funding, tribal liaison, voter education, electoral access, translation services, Indian Affairs, communication, consultation, New Mexico, tribes, federal government

Transcript Highlights:

• Given all of this reality of an economy that's working well for the billionaire class, but not for working
• Trump's vision for the American worker.
• I'm just trying to get a sense of your vision for what the standard of life for an American worker is
• What's your vision for the American worker?
• or an advanced manufacturing or a hospital, whatever.

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Keywords: PRO Act, labor laws, worker rights, unionization, right-to-work, public testimony, political polarization

Summary: The meeting centered around an in-depth discussion of the PRO Act, with representatives expressing passionate opinions both for and against the legislation. Representative Chavez de Rimmer emphasized the importance of worker freedom, arguing that the PRO Act would infringe upon individual rights by coercing unionization. This perspective was strongly received by members from right-to-work states, who articulated their concerns about the potential erosion of workers' choices and protections. Speaker after speaker conveyed conflicting views on labor laws, indicating a deeply polarized environment surrounding labor issues at the moment.

Transcript Highlights:

• the resources needed for energy storage, advanced manufacturing, and national security.
• I want to thank you again for the opportunity and the appropriate time. I ask for an aye vote.
• Momentum for advanced nuclear is building in red and blue states alike.
• The author respectfully asked for an aye vote and thanked members for the thoughtful questions, saying
• For these reasons, Valley Vision respectfully urges your support for AB 2279. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard several energy-related bills. AB 710 would require investor-owned utilities to share critical circuit and grid information with local and tribal governments and community choice aggregators to help plan microgrids for resilience during PSPS events and wildfires. Supporters from counties and cities said better data sharing is needed to develop microgrids for critical facilities; PG&E and SDG&E opposed the bill as drafted, citing privacy and grid-security concerns, though SDG&E said amendments may address some issues. Members generally supported the bill’s goal, and the author accepted committee amendments. AB 2182 would restructure the CPUC’s industrial energy efficiency program so industrial customers’ funds are used for industrial projects, with less review and more focus on projects that reduce transmission and distribution needs. Support came from large energy users, with members praising the bill’s ratepayer protections and asking about caps, agriculture, and carbon capture; the author said agriculture could participate and carbon capture was removed from the bill. AB 2589 would require utility federal tax savings to be returned to ratepayers, building on prior legislation; it drew little debate and no opposition on the record. The committee also heard AB 2163, which would create strategic clean energy and critical mineral development zones, especially to support geothermal and lithium development in places like Imperial County and the Salton Sea. Supporters emphasized jobs, domestic supply chains, and state competitiveness, while some members raised questions about whether other zero-carbon resources should be included; the author said the bill could be receptive to those ideas. AB 2505 would allow hydrogen refueling stations to use dedicated utility meters and service lines, with supporters from the hydrogen industry and labor. AB 1577 would require data centers to report energy and water-use information to the Energy Commission and local planners; supporters said it would protect ratepayers and communities, while industry groups opposed the bill as too broad and duplicative, though they welcomed amendments narrowing the scope and adding trade-secret protections. AB 2065 would impose penalties on utilities that seek to recover prohibited or double-counted costs from ratepayers, and AB 2516 would create a California Grid Manufacturing Initiative to reduce equipment costs and expand in-state manufacturing; both drew strong support and some concerns about overreach and implementation. Finally, AB 2647 would direct the Energy Commission to study advanced nuclear’s role in meeting California’s electricity needs, with testimony in support from nuclear advocates and academics; the hearing ended before any final votes were taken, with several motions pending quorum.

Transcript Highlights:

• way for future generations of women to succeed and advance the reputation of the state's industrial sector
• commitment to expanding educational opportunity for students in Louisiana and designates today, March
• education, provide for the powers, purpose, governance, provide for commission meetings, staff support
• Members, this bill creates an individual income tax checkoff for taxpayers.
• We need the bridge for economic security. We need the bridge in a whole host of issues.

Bills: HR46 , HR47 , HR48 , HR49 , HR50 , HR51 , HR52 , HR53 , HR54 , HR55 , HR56 , HR57 , HCR31 , HB20 , HB21 , HB166 , HB494 , HB710 , HB795 , HB985 , HB986 , HB987 , HB988 , HB989 , HB990 , HB991 , HB992 , HB993 , HB994 , HB995 , HB996 , HB997 , HB998 , HR42 , HR43 , HR44 , HR45 , HCR22 , HCR23 , HCR24 , HCR25 , HCR26 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR29 , HCR30 , SCR13 , HB894 , HB983 , HB984 , SB19 , SB23 , SB26 , SB30 , SB39 , SB45 , SB46 , SB50 , SB51 , SB55 , SB69 , SB71 , SB73 , SB84 , SB85 , SB89 , SB96 , SB98 , SB101 , SB110 , SB148 , SB150 , SB160 , SB164 , SB303 , SB340 , HB28 , HB36 , HB50 , HB52 , HB56 , HB62 , HB68 , HB92 , HB110 , HB117 , HB119 , HB124 , HB140 , HB147 , HB160 , HB171 , HB174 , HB182 , HB193 , HB196 , HB198 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB237 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB316 , HB351 , HB393 , HB400 , HB413 , HB446 , HB469 , HB486 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB807 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB474 , HB487 , HB503 , HB606 , HB633 , HB707 , HB720 , HB728 , HB733 , HB846 , HB852 , HB856 , HB868 , HB875 , HB129 , HB130 , HB287 , HB489 , HB545 , HB553 , HB555 , HB570 , HB854 , HB952 , HB221 , HB148 , HB331 , HB149 , HB901

Keywords: HR 46, House Resolution 46, water well drillers, water wells, well drilling, driller licensure, licensing requirements, Department of Conservation and Energy, R.S. 38:3098.1, LAC 46.LXXXIX.507, professional references, two years drilling experience, workforce development, barriers to entry, water infrastructure, natural resources, groundwater, public health, state water resources, occupational licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's the vision. Our vision is one for the entire system, to be the premier public...
• afford to go out of state or out of city for their education.
• I think my personal vision for not just North Florida, but for the college system in general, is that
• I think my personal vision for not just North Florida, but for the college system in general, is that
• Over the last five or six years, we have started an Aspire program where we pay for college education

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmations for 19 appointees and reappointees to university and state college boards, with most of the agenda focused on the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, Florida State University, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Pensacola State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, North Florida College, South Florida State College, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Testimony from the nominees generally emphasized their educational backgrounds, professional experience, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving institutional rankings. Several UF trustees highlighted the university’s “One UF” vision, institutional neutrality, and goals of reaching top-three or top-one national status. Other nominees stressed the role of state colleges in workforce pipelines, and Florida Poly witnesses focused on STEM growth, housing, and strong graduate outcomes. One in-person public testimony came from Elijah Hooks, who spoke in opposition to the current FAMU administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from campus after protesting the appointment of President Marva Johnson. For FAMU, Jocelyn Dobson Rodriguez testified in support of her appointment, emphasizing her legal background, alumni ties, and goals of strengthening leadership, alumni engagement, and the connection between the main campus and the College of Law in Orlando. For Florida Atlantic University, Tina Vidal-Duart was questioned closely about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about CDR Health’s involvement in state contracts; she said she was not aware of the foundation’s governance problems at the time and that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate. The committee then voted to report all appointees favorably except for Tina Vidal-Duart, whose confirmation was held for a separate vote at the request of Senator Bracy Davis. After discussion, the committee voted 5-1 to report her confirmation favorably as well. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I yield for questions and move for adoption. Are there any questions? Could we pass the second?
• If you look at who's out there, there's one called Cape Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
• House Bill 332 is a firearm safety education in schools for grades K through 12.
• I yield for questions and move for adoption. Presented by Rosarez.
• Stand for questions. Ask for passage.

Bills: HB4274 , HB3076 , HB4358 , HB3312 , HB3288 , HB3885

Committee: House Common Education

Keywords: HB4274, Oklahoma schools, interdistrict transfer, open transfer, school enrollment, military families, active duty, National Guard, Reserve orders, military installation, residency requirements, district of choice, public school transfer, student transfer, special education, IEP, Section 504, military housing, base housing, electronic enrollment

Transcript Highlights:

• Also for those of you that know me know I like to run an efficient committee and so all public testimony
• Education by laying out bills and providing an opportunity to ask questions of the bill of the bill from
• ... educational institutions prepare students with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.
• Gonzalez about what this looks like for an actual I'm sure you can provide more information.
• I think there's an identical provision for for this advising program in House Bill 2, is that correct

Bills: HB20 , HB 120 , HB20 , HB120

Committee: House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Keywords: applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Transcript Highlights:

• of it unless they reach out to the school and ask for additional opportunities for their education.
• So, this bill will help the adult education departments reach out to the students and put them in an
• The American Council on Education does a transfer for subjects within the GED, and they actually give
• We do have one person to speak as an opponent for the bill. Would you call her up please?
• for local... publicize free resources for local boards of education to use to comply with this requirement

Bills: HB266 , SB85 , SB166 , HB266 , SB85 , SB166

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: education, diploma, adult education, dropout prevention, nontraditional high school program, driver's license eligibility, vaccination exemption, religious exemption, medical exemption, vaccine mandate, testing requirement, public schools, K-12, students, parents, guardians, higher education, college enrollment, university attendance, public institutions of higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• efficient way for high school students to earn certificates from institutions of higher education in
• With the credit and a course provided by an institution of higher education under this program.
• The Chair recognizes Senator Campbell for an announcement. Thank you, Mr. President.
• a repeat offender or for an offense that is eligible for the denial of... bail under the Texas Constitution
• Is there a vote in court for what purpose? Third time's a charm. Thank you, Mr. ...of an offer.

Bills: SJR5 , SJR27 , SB4 , SB6 , SB7 , SB9 , SB13 , SB15 , SB23 , SB27 , SB30 , SB40 , SB57 , SB66 , SB140 , SB268 , SB293 , SB331 , SB413 , SB437 , SB447 , SB457 , SB467 , SB506 , SB510 , SB512 , SB568 , SB571 , SB650 , SB710 , SB763 , SB785 , SB800 , SB850 , SB863 , SB865 , SB904 , SB905 , SB973 , SB974 , SB1191 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1362 , SB1494 , SB1504 , SB1522 , SB1540 , SB1567 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1610 , SB1660 , SB1723 , SB1760 , SB1838 , SB1923 , SB1946 , SB1957 , SB1964 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2121 , SB2167 , SB2217 , SB2221 , SB2321 , SB2337 , SB2368 , SB2373 , SB2407 , SB2431 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2615 , SB2753 , SB2807 , SB2900 , SB2965 , SB2972 , SB2986 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB3059 , SB3070 , SB1 , SB8 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB21 , SB30 , SB37 , SB260 , SB268 , SB331 , SB379 , SB441 , SB447 , SB457 , SB509 , SB650 , SB763 , SB1198 , SB1405 , SB1506 , SB1566 , SB1610 , SB1637 , SB1660 , SB1833 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2155 , SB2217 , SB2308 , SB2337 , SB2601 , SB2753 , SB2778 , SB2878 , SB2900 , SB3059 , HB4 , HB145 , HB300 , HB493 , HB2011 , HB2067 , HB2516 , HB2525 , HB2885 , HB2974 , HB3071 , HB3372 , HB3595 , HB5138 , HB5246 , HB796 , HB1523 , HB5294 , HB748 , HB3395 , HB180 , HB3171 , HB4690 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB5694 , HB 1135 , HB3225 , HB186 , HB1449 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB4233 , HB 1094 , HB3336 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB5663 , HB2731 , HB2399 , HB 111 , HB3483 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB632 , HB4730 , HB 127 , HB5690 , HB5689 , HB3385 , HB4359 , HB5381 , HB20 , HB 123 , HB549 , HB5606 , HB2594 , HB 1057 , HB3664 , HCR141 , HCR40 , HCR59 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3045 , SB3071 , HB20 , HB 127 , HB549 , HB 1094 , HB2594 , HB2731 , HB4233 , HB4690 , SR625 , HCR167 , SJR5 , SB4 , SB6 , SB9 , SB23 , SB40 , SB13 , SB15 , SB30 , SB268 , SB331 , SB447 , SB457 , SB568 , SB650 , SB763 , SB1540 , SB1610 , SB1660 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2217 , SB2337 , SB2753 , SB2900 , SB2972 , SB3059 , HB4 , HB145 , HB493 , HB2067 , HB2516 , HB2885 , HB2974 , HB3071 , HB3372 , HB3556 , HB3595 , HB5138

Keywords: bail, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, public safety, constitutional amendment, judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service

Summary: The meeting centered around the discussions of several key bills, notably HB4233, which aims to align Texas's money transmission licensing and auditing requirements with federal regulations. Senator Parker led the discussion, emphasizing the need for consumer protections around cryptocurrency kiosks that have become targets for fraud, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as seniors. The meeting also saw lively debates on HB20, designed to reintegrate technical education into high schools, addressing skills shortages in the workforce. The bills were well received, with strong bipartisan support evident in the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what they would like to see for tuition, their grants. would be an allowable expense for them
• No, it's just an alternative. It's not a traditional model for education. That was one example.
• Actually, what a lot of you don't know, I was Air Force for 11 and then an Army officer for 10, so I
• Five, it will develop and offer an annual training program for tier one research institution security
• . fund for us, we start planning a decade in advance for how we're going to use those funds each year

Bills: HB42 , HB 125 , HB 1233 , HB2853 , HB3148 , HB3326 , HB3701 , HB4066 , HB4361 , HB4762 , HB4909 , HB4912 , HB42 , HB125

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• for GME, graduate medical education.
• New medical education slots for GME, graduate medical education, the vast network that not only Texas
• I want to congratulate you for having the vision and starting this process.
• of just Business for us in higher education.
• education funds provide for universities across Texas.

Bills: HB42 , HB 125 , HB 1233 , HB2853 , HB3148 , HB3326 , HB3701 , HB4066 , HB4361 , HB4762 , HB4909 , HB4912 , HB42 , HB125

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending. Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending. The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.

Bills: HF117 , HF392 , HF703 , HF393 , HF269 , HF865 , HF870 , HF189 , SF176 , SF277 , SF288

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: National Guard, scholarship, education, military service, professional qualification, year-round calendar, school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, Department of Education, student loans, financial aid, college affordability, Direct PLUS loan, federal student loans, state supplemental loans, college family loan, partnership loan, Iowa College Aid, Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation, APR